2020 TASH Conference - Virtual Edition: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2020 TASH Conference - Virtual Edition website! We’re so glad you are here!

Each year, the TASH Conference brings together individuals with significant disabilities and their allies to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The conference is attended by passionate advocates, leaders, and subject matter experts from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees play an important role in supporting individuals with significant disabilities to overcome various barriers in order to live their best lives. Central to this work is the premise that individuals reach their optimal potential only when they are given the opportunity to live, work and thrive across the lifespan in the same communities we are all members of. The conference is intentionally designed to support the interests of professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; home and community-based service providers; students, family members, and most importantly, self-advocates with lived experience.

This year, while we are taking the conference virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that our unique approach to providing exceptional first-rate content and building strong community ties and connections across various stakeholders will yield an extraordinary event! We have taken extra steps to bring people closer together during these times, as well as to create an amazing virtual environment that expands our knowledge, spurs our creative thinking, and focuses on healthy living and having fun! Our conference theme, Feel the Power of Inclusion, reinforces the importance of our continued commitment to promoting a world of equity and opportunity for all, and is predicated on the value of bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences in an effort to build strong human connectivity and spur collective action.

Need technical assistance during the conference? Please email our support staff at helpdesk@tash.org.

1:30pm EST

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

The need for affordable, accessible, inclusive housing has never been greater. Too often, the state and federal government are considered as the primary solution for issues faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. Housing, quality of life, and community engagement have been viewed as government issues. These challenges, however, are too complex and too large for any group to address alone. Independent Futures and Collaborative Community Housing Initiative will share details about the current housing crisis for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and showcase how cross-sector collaborations benefit individuals and communities. We will highlight how specific collaborations involving individuals with disabilities, families, social service agencies, government entities, for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, real estate developers, and community associations are creating inclusive communities where people of all abilities thrive.

Presenters

Kathy Lyons

Director, New Futures Initiative, Center for Independent Futures

At Center for Independent Futures, I work with families and organizations to create inclusive housing solutions and build more inclusive communities. My experience in business, law, and education is combined with a passion for social justice. And, it's personal. As the mother... Read More →

Laurie Williams

Director, Collaborative Community Housing Initiative

Laurie is the founder and president of Collaborative Community Housing Initiative. Laurie and her husband Rick have one adult son Zachary, who inspired Laurie to form CCHI. Laurie is leading this grassroots movement for inclusive living options with a group of volunteer families and... Read More →

Wednesday December 2, 2020 1:30pm - 2:15pm EST
Virtual Platform Online

Breakout Sessions, Track 1

Primary Topic Community Living
Themes Housing
Tags Housing, Independent Living, Inclusive Communities
Format General

1:30pm EST

Increasing the Availability of Typical Housing for People with Disabilities

Having a place to call home is central to one's overall well being. It is closely connected to our sense of autonomy, control, independence, and identity. Unfortunately, finding a place to live that is truly affordable, accessible, integrated and socially valued comes with a frustrating array of financial, physical, and bureaucratic barriers for people with disabilities. Join this panel as we discuss the importance of integrated housing, some of the common obstacles people with disabilities face in securing a home, home ownership options, modifications for live-in support, and strategies to increase the availability of typical housing for people with disabilities.

Presenters